The Villa Times - 21/05/2007

One of the gossip sites say that Bolton Wanderers new boss Sammy Lee, aka little Sam, is talking to former (nearly) Villa left back Jlloyd Samuel. The report says that Big Sam wants him for Newcastle but Little Sam is trying to nab him first. No offence to Bolton, but I'd hang on if I was you Jlloyd!

Our friends at Vital Glasgow say 'There is speculation today that Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is after Rangers target Steven Naismith after the ex Celtic boss was spotted at Rugby Park today. Vital Glasgow The editor also emailed me: 'I'm watching the Kilmarnock v Hearts game on Setanta Sports, and I note with interest that your man Martin O'Neill is in the stand? Looks like he is on a spying mission, but who is he watching? I've got a feeling he may have a couple of targets. Steven Naismith of Kilmarnock (I've told you about him before), and Craig Gordon of Hearts. The Scottish number one is tipped to move to the Premiership in the summer.' The BBC also Man Utd are after 24-year-old Craig Gordon for £8million. The BBC reckon a bid of around £1.5million might get us Kilmarnock's striker Steven Naismith.

Chris Sutton is still looking at his options and has yet to make a decision on his future. Martin O'Neill said: 'He's had the final reports back from another specialist and doesn't want to make a definite decision just yet. There's no rush. He can talk it over with his family and see how things stand later this summer. I think we missed him badly when he got injured. He was just coming to the fore and scored the winner at Everton. He gave us that quality we needed, and I believe it was no coincidence that his non-playing coincided with our very poor run.'

Martin Laursen has been named in the provisional Danish squad for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Sweden and Latvia. Thomas Sorensen is also in the provisional squad.

The Mirror have what they call 'The ultimate good news/bad news story'. The lad who went on the pitch and scored a goal with his daughters ball had it replaced because Villa lost the ball but was then banned for 12 months for going on the pitch! Ha, they call that the ultimate good news bad news story, obviously they've never watched The Crying Game film! ;-)

Thomas 'shooooot' Hitzlsperger scored a goal taking Stuttgart to the title. Hitzlebeefburger said 'I've always dreamed about a day like this. It's just fantastic, by far the greatest day in my life. We've worked hard and been rewarded for it.'

Lee Hendrie is looking to get his career back on track but doesn't know where he will end up. As he approaches his 30th Birthday, the (nearly) former Villa midfielder has yet to sort out this future. His contract at Villa is up at the end of May and it is obvious he isn't in Martin O'Neill's plans. Hendrie said: 'I've still no idea what is happening' No change there then! BOOM BOOM. Full article: Hendrie, where yam goin?

A Portugal footy site has quotes from Pacos de Ferreira left-back Vitorino Antunes who apparently could be set to sign for Aston Villa. The left-back, according to PortuGOAL, has impressed Villa and the Portugal Under-21 said: 'It would be a great chance to play in England for a big club.”

And Vital Villa member thegreatdando posted this set of rumours in our forum: Also does anyone read the 'football bible' that is FansFC, we have no fewer than 5 transfer links to Giles Barnes (if Derby don't make it to the Premiership), Marlon King (except he's signed a contract at Watford till 2010), Antunes for £750,000, Distin (but we all knew that) and a shock return for Darius Vassell (apparently part of a massive Eastlands clear out).. At this point I'd like to consult Beefy's Bull-S***-O-Meter!!! Adding, Ooops and I forgot Man Utd outcast Gerard Pique....

Another link I've seen are Sheffield United defender Phil Jagielka who, according to the gossip sites, is rated at £6million. Not to mention the repeated links to Craig Bellamy, Steve Sidwell (thought Chelsea had got him?) and ......, no think that was it actually!

Optimism is high amongst Villa fans as season ticket sales have gone up by 350% on this time last year!!! With a 9 unbeaten run at the end of the season, fans have maybe seen enough to convince them with some summer spending next season is going to be more than worth watching! I don't think the last game of the season and the scarves, parade of the team of 82 and the atmosphere should be underestimated either, I think that re-ignited a good few Villa fires!

The News of the World - I know, I know - says his former Northern Ireland boss, now permanent manager of Fulham, Lawrie Sanchez (so much worse than Chris Coleman in SOOOO many ways, so sod em, hope the club get relegated for their lack of backing for a bright new manager forced to sell his best players each year - deep breath - digression is the name of the game - you still with me here?) - will pay £3million for Steven Davis. Full article: Villa to Fulham - Get Lost.

The Chris Sutton saga drags on. Obviously a very worrying time for the player. Delighted for Hitz. Great to read/hear that season ticket sales are booming - the optimism of the fans is obviously showing no bounds. A full, or very nearly full Villa Park, is what we all want to see on a game to game basis next season.